Keeping the pet awake during the teeth cleaning procedure has potential for risks such as severe injuries to the gums and tongue caused by dental equipment.

For the animal, the procedure is scary and may lead to high stress levels making them anxious and restless.

The American Veterinary Medical Association recently stated dental cleanings for pets should be done under anesthesia, but some veterinarians said, for certain pets who can’t handle anesthesia, cleaning without it might be the only option.